Why a Discontinued Sonos Speaker Is Still in Absurdly High Demand
In the world of hi-fi audio equipment, there are few better-known or reputable companies than Sonos. This American consumer electronics maker has been producing some of the best-quality speakers, amplifiers, and stereos since 2002. Their classic speakers have had a unique and stylish design that has become instantly recognizable and some of their products have even acquired a cult-like following of die-hard fans.
It’s no surprise then that one of their classic speakers, the Sonos Play:5, remains highly coveted despite it having been discontinued in 2015. Here’s a closer look at why the Play:5 is still in such high demand and why it deserves your attention.
Features of the Sonos Play:5
One of the reasons for this speaker’s enduring popularity is that it was a well-rounded hi-fi audio offering. Its features included:
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Six built-in Class-D amplifiers
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Six active digital audio drivers
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Six passive radiators
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Dual tweeter array
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A 360-degree sound projection
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Full compatibility with other Sonos products
Aside from its cutting-edge technical specifications, the design of the old Play:5 was also stylish. With a sleek, all-black exterior and discreet button layout, it had the look and feel of a modern, understated ecosystem of audio solutions.
Advantages of the Sonos Play:5
As its specs make clear, the Play:5 was an incredibly powerful and wide-ranging device. This was due to advanced technology developed in-house at Sonos. It had:
- Two separate tweeter arrays to provide natural-sounding highs
- Six dedicated woofers to deliver specified mid-range tones
- Five amplifiers powering six separate speakers
These components worked together to produce a room-filling sound that was crystal clear, rich, and detailed. The device also had a closed-loop digital signal processing that enabled it to deliver a larger-than-normal soundstage with impressive stereo imaging and pinpoint detail.
Furthermore, its design included the ability to ‘tune’ to the properties of your listening room. This would provide an optimal listening experience no matter where you were playing it.
Furthermore, this product was designed for compatibility with other Sonos speakers, allowing users to create a multi-room audio setup. The system even allowed multi-room capabilities with non-Sonos systems, such as controlling iTunes from your iPhone and streaming music from services such as Spotify.
Why Owning a Discontinued Sonos Speaker Is Still Desirable
For most people, when a product discontinues it no longer has any value. But the Play:5 is an exception. Even in 2021, these speakers remain some of the highest-performing and most sought-after models ever made by Sonos. This is largely due to the fact that its high-calibre manufacturing managed to ensure that, even after more than five years of use, these speakers remain in immaculate condition, with no sign of wear and tear.
It’s also worth noting that the Play:5 is a collector’s item. As one of the very first Sonos speakers to be released, it has a certain je ne sais quoi that makes it irresistibly attractive to audiophiles and tech enthusiasts alike. The fact that it has become a discontinued product only adds to the (perceived) value of it, especially if you’re looking for something different in your audio setup.
The Best Place to Buy a Sonos Play:5
If you’re looking to purchase a Sonos Play:5, then you’ll have to turn to the second-hand market. Refurbished models are in high demand and trade hands on a regular basis. Fortunately, there are plenty of reliable sellers who will be able to provide you with a refurbished Sonos Play:5 for a great price – as long as you’re prepared to do a bit of groundwork and research.
The best places to start with would be eBay, Craigslist, Reddit and other technology-specific groups on Facebook. Here, you’ll be able to find a wealth of options for purchasing a Sonos Play:5. Be sure to look out for reputable sellers and check the condition of the device before you buy, as some may not be operating as optimally as they should.
The Sonos Play:5 is widely considered to be one of the best speakers in the history of audio equipment. Although it has now been discontinued, there remains an active market for these speakers and they still command an incredibly high price. This is due to a combination of factors, such as the robust specs and unique design of the device, its compatibility with other Sonos products, and the fact that they represent a desirable collector’s item. Regardless of whether you’re an audiophile looking for a high-end device, or just a tech enthusiast looking for something unique for your home audio setup, the Sonos Play:5 is an ideal choice.
